TOKYO — Japanese automakers, like their global counterparts, have had a rough run in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain mayhem, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, higher interest rates and the breakneck race to plow billions into electric vehicles.
But Japan's manufacturers have some good reasons to be hopeful their lot will improve in 2023. Production is on the upswing, electrification plans are gaining momentum and the wild ride of fluctuating exchange rates seems to be settling down.
Here are five reasons Japan's automakers should be optimistic about the new year, along with one big reason to remain wary: